MIPS Technologies Licenses 32-Bit Processor Core IP to Micronas for Next-Generation Consumer Electronics Products

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & FREIBURG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct.

22, 2002--

           Future Designs to Transition to MIPS(R) IP Cores
           for Development of Digital Television Solutions

MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:MIPS; Nasdaq:MIPSB), a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business applications, announced that Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange:MASN)(Neuer Market Frankfurt:MNSN), a leading provider of ICs for consumer electronics, multimedia and automotive applications, has taken a license for MIPS® core intellectual property (IP) for new product development. By taking a MIPS Technologies license, Micronas is now able to offer future-proof, high-performance and low-power designs for home entertainment platforms.

"Our digital television roadmap will be based on MIPS CPUs, thus offering our customers a seamless transition from our current product portfolio based on the MIPS-compatible Lexra CPU," said Dirk Wieberneit, vice president of product development and general manager of Micronas GmbH, Germany. "By licensing the latest MIPS technology, Micronas builds on its own and its customers' investment in tools and software."

"Micronas is a welcome addition to the MIPS community, with performance solutions that enhance a user's digital audio and visual experience," said Kevin Meyer, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies. "By taking an IP license from MIPS Technologies, Micronas increases the value of everyone developing MIPS-based solutions, by helping to ensure one, industry-standard MIPS architecture."

About Micronas

Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange:MASN)(Neuer Markt Frankfurt:MNSN), a semiconductor company group with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer electronics, multimedia and automotive electronics. The holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland). Currently, the Micronas group employs about 1500 people. In 2001, it generated over CHF 566 Million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com.

About MIPS Technologies

MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at 650/567-5000 or www.mips.com.

Note to Editors: MIPS is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, and MIPS-based is a trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

     MIPS Technologies, Inc., Mountain View
     Lee Garvin Flanagin, 650/567-5180 (Media)
     flanagin@mips.com
            or
     Micronas GmbH
     Iris Bahr, +49 (761) 517-2324
     media@micronas.com